Why would you buy a bike designed, at least in theory, for the off-road world of cyclocross for more urban duties? Well, in spite of the sport’s growing popularity we reckon more cyclocross bikes see action solely on city streets and country roads than competitive mud-plugging duties.
Verenti’s distributor Wiggle alludes to the wider ambitions of its Substance by saying that it’s also designed to be "a bit of fun around town, a sturdy commuter and a weekend rambler". Ah, it all makes sense now.
The gearing is certainly more all-rounder than 'crosser. Competitive ’cross bikes need their gears closer together, hence the common 46/36 setup. That might be handy for racing, but it leaves you short at both ends of the range when it comes to more general cycling.
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Cable-actuated disc brakes offer ample power
The Substance’s 50/34 compact is a much better call for most uses, and gives a very impressive range when combined with the 11-32 cassette. The nine-speed Sora setup does mean biggish gaps between gears, especially at the lower gear range (bigger sprockets), but we think that’s a price worth paying. The 34x32 will get you up even the steepest hills (or help you carry loads comfortably), and only the likes of Mark Cavendish will find the 50x11 too small at the top.
Comfort and versatility
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